Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh was “part of a package”, adding that the government is not considering an investigation into those who facilitated her departure.

Dr Zahed made the remarks today during his weekly press conference at the Secretariat, held every Tuesday to brief the media on the government’s activities and recent developments.

He also said the government would take necessary action against any Bangladeshi media outlet that broadcasts Hasina’s statements in violation of a court order.

The adviser said, “In the history of mass uprisings around the world, incidents like this [escape] have occurred. I would view it this way: it was part of a package. We wanted to be free of her [Hasina], and these matters were part of that process.”

“I do not think the government is considering an investigation at this time into who was involved or how. These issues must be viewed in the context of the situation that prevailed then,” he added.

Responding to a question about whether the government was under pressure over several issues, including separate meetings involving Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, visiting US President’s Special Envoy Sergio Gor, and Awami League leader Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Dr Zahed said the government was not facing any geopolitical challenges.

He added that, having come to power with public support, the government was seeking to build relations with all countries in the national interest.

“The government has discussed an agreement with the United States, which the interim government had initiated. On the other hand, it is also talking with Russia, Iran, China, India, and everyone else,” he added.

The adviser said the previous government had sought to maintain ties with certain countries to remain in power. By contrast, he said, the current government came to office with overwhelming public support and therefore “has no geopolitical problems”.

“The US envoy who visited and has since left held a meeting with the Indian high commissioner. There is no reason to interpret these matters differently. We have not been officially informed about whom he met in a personal capacity, so I will not comment on that,” he added.